Edwards
Texas

What stands out

Three things set Edwards County apart from the other 3,142 counties: the uninsured rate is among the highest in America (27.2%), population growth is among the fastest shrinking in America (-2.5% a year), and high-school completion is in the bottom 2% of American counties (74%). Within Texas it ranks 5th of 254 counties for the uninsured rate.

Where you are

You live in Edwards County, Texas. 1,380 people live here with you, so most faces are familiar. The population shrank 2.5% last year, and more Americans moved out than in (net -24).

Texas has no income tax and no estate tax, and its constitution prohibits an income tax without a statewide vote. Property taxes are among the highest in the country and are the main source of local school funding; the 2023 legislature raised the homestead exemption to $100,000 to offset that. Homeowner insurance costs are high along the Gulf coast and rising statewide after hail and freeze events. The grid is independent of the rest of the country.

Money

The typical household here brings in $40,809 a year, lower than 93% of American counties. Employers pay an average wage of $39,962. Unemployment runs 2.8%, lower than 71% of American counties. 9% of workers work from home.

Texas has no state income tax, so none of that goes to the state.

Home

A two-bedroom rents for around $759 a month. Property tax is 1.11% of home value, roughly $965 a year on that median home, higher than 67% of American counties. 82% of households own rather than rent.

Safety and health

Violent crime here is 4.6 per 1,000 residents, higher than 86% of American counties.

A child born here can expect to live 75.2 years, shorter than 58% of American counties. There is 1 active physician in the county, about 7.2 per 10,000 people. 27.2% of people under 65 have no health insurance.

School

74% of adults finished high school.

Neighbors and politics

In 2024 your neighbors voted Republican by 67 points, among the most lopsided counties in the country. 71% of eligible voters turned out. Under Texas law you can carry a concealed handgun without a permit, abortion is banned with narrow exceptions, and marijuana is medical only.

Weather and risk

The year averages 69°F, highs near 81 and lows near 56, warmer than 94% of American counties. About 22 inches of rain and snow fall a year. FEMA puts natural-hazard risk at 8 out of 100, safer than 92% of American counties; the county has had 19 federal disaster declarations since 1953.

Getting around, going out

Home internet averages 63 Mbps down, slower than 96% of American counties. There are 13 airports in the county, counting general aviation.